Comparison of Inner Ear Volume Between Humans and Sheep Using MRI.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

In preclinical research, animals are used to perform clinical experiments. The use of large animals with human-like anatomies and structural size appears to be essential. For auditory function research, we needed to identify an animal model whose dimensions are close to those of the human inner ear for future research. In the present study, we investigated measurements of the human and sheep inner ear using 3 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate the suitability of a sheep model for studying the inner ear.

Methods

Inner ears were compared between 8 ears from 4 normal humans (women) and 8 ears from 4 normal sheep (female). Cranial MRI of both species' cochleae were acquired and analyzed, with specific measurements for key anatomical features, including the co

SUBMITTER: Micaletti F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12528632 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature